The



The [pic]

( “Lifeline of the Gasoline Industry, the Independent Gasoline Dealer.” (

CLXI Edition December 2012

Gasoline Retailers Association of Florida

214 Stevenage Drive Longwood, Florida 32779



e mail pat@

407-774-9700 SSDA/NCPR-AT

Pat Moricca President Member Service Station Dealers of America

INDEPENDENT BRANDS

VISIT OUR WEB SITE FOR THE LATEST GASOLINE

INDUSTRY INFORMATION AND BENEFITS



Gasoline Retailers Association of Florida is a non-profit association representing Independent Gasoline Retailers, Convenience Stores, Gasoline Service Stations, Repair Shops, Tire Retailers, Truck Stops and Associates throughout Florida. Our goal is to improve the interests of these independent businesses and the motoring public. Cooperation with insurance companies provides benefits for our members. These benefits include money-saving programs for AFLAC, group health, workers' compensation, casualty and property and gasoline tank liability insurance. Benefits also include financing to purchase your gasoline station property and much more.

The problems facing our industry today affect every dealer, no matter how large or small. And, since no one individual could possibly begin to solve these problems alone, it remains that each should join in a collective effort to protect his/her business investment.

Join the Gasoline Retailers Association of Florida and help in the fight to keep the

Florida Motor Fuel Marketing Practices Act (Below Cost) law.

Make an important investment in your business future for less than $1 a day.

Merry Christmas

&

Happy New Year

2013

2012 average wholesale gasoline prices have changed up or down 206 times from 1st of year to date.

Florida Launches New 25th Anniversary Millionaire Game

Raffle-type game guarantees a millionaire every week through December 23.

FT. LAUDERDALE – The Florida Lottery has launched a new, seven-week raffle series, 25th Anniversary Millionaire, that will award one million dollars each week, the Sun-Sentinel reports.

As opposed to traditional lottery games that may or may not produce a winner after a drawing, 25th Anniversary Millionaire guarantees its prizes each week.

Each Monday through December 23, players’ tickets sold during the week are entered into a drawing. A searchable list of 51 ticket numbers — one that wins $1 million and 50 that win consolation prizes of $1,000 — will be posted at .

In addition to the weekly prizes, a grand prize drawing will take place on December 31, awarding one lucky winner $2 million, 10 ticketholders $100,000 each, 50 people $10,000 and 500 people $1,000 each. Every ticket sold through December 31 will be eligible for the December 31 drawing.

"In this year's 25th Anniversary edition, we are giving players what they love about raffle games — limited tickets, limited time and great odds,” said Florida Lottery Secretary Cynthia O'Connell.

"Raffles are great around holidays because they make great gifts," said Todd Northrop, founder of . "So that means they are also perfect for people who don't play the lottery every day."

Third Quarter Earnings Down

ExxonMobil oil company, the largest oil company in the world, earned $9.57 billion in its 2012 Third Quarter.

Royal Dutch Shell oil company earned $6.13 billion in its 2012 Third Quarter.

Chevron oil company earned $5.1 billion in its 2012 Third Quarter.

U.S. on target to become world's largest oil producer

If the U.S. should indeed surpass Saudi Arabia as the world’s largest oil producer, as the Associated Press reports, shouldn’t that mean lower gasoline prices for Americans? Don’t be too quick to make that bet. AP reports that the U.S. is on track for a 7% increase in oil production this year to an average of 10.9 million barrels per day. And the U.S. Dept. of Energy is forecasting that U.S. production of crude and other liquid hydrocarbons will average 11.4 million barrels per day in 2013. AP says that would be a new record and would fall just below Saudi Arabia’s output of 11.6 million barrels per day.

More bullish forecasts come from Citibank, whose analysts say U.S. oil production could reach 13 to 15 million barrels per day by 2020. (But, here comes the rain on the parade…)The U.S. is still expected to continue to import plenty of oil in the years ahead because we’re consuming 18.7 million barrels per day.

Federal Gasoline Tax Increase? The federal gas tax, currently at 18.4 cents per gallon

Industry says no to federal gas tax hike idea floated to help offset "fiscal cliff" plunge

WASHINGTON -- A group of oil, gas and related retail organizations--including API, NACS, SSDA NATSO PMAA and SIGMA--sent a letter on Tuesday to members of Congress, urging them to think twice before leveling any tax increases on the industry as part of fiscal cliff negotiations, according to U.S. News & World Report.

The letter comes on the heels of news that business advocates and states are pressing lawmakers to raise the 18.4-cents-per-gallon federal gasoline tax as part of a deficit-reduction deal to avoid the "fiscal cliff," a $500 billion set of tax hikes and spending cuts set to kick in on Jan. 2, said the report.

The letter, shared with U.S. News by the API ahead of its delivery to members of Congress, was addressed to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Senate Minority Leader Mitch MConnell (R-Ky.), House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), and underscored the contributions the oil and gas industry have made to the struggling U.S. economy in the wake of the recession.

Throughout the economic downturn, America's oil and natural gas industry has provided one of the few bright spots as the economy struggles toward recovery," they wrote. "Through hundreds of billions of dollars invested to develop vast new oil and natural gas reserves, and to expand our refining capacity, this industry is not only producing the energy a growing economy demands, but also creating tens of thousands of high paying jobs while generating billions in new revenue for the government; therefore, any attempts to target the oil and natural gas industry for punitive tax treatment should be avoided as higher taxes could put the economic growth we've created at risk."

Insight: After Sandy, Big Oil's pumps fail motorists

NEW YORK (Reuters) - As lines of fuming motorists snaked along the highways of New York and New Jersey last week in search of gasoline, a surprising trend emerged: those who rushed to stations bearing the names of the world's biggest and best known oil companies were the least likely to find fuel.

Three days after Sandy pummeled the Northeast, fewer than one-quarter of the service stations operating under the Exxon Mobil Corp., BP and Shell brands were selling gasoline, according to a Reuters analysis of industry data. The companies say the figures are higher, closer to half.

Meanwhile a handful of medium-sized regional chains like Hess Corp, Wawa Inc and Sunoco performed far better, with as many as three-quarters of their stations operating, using back-up generators to dispense fuel to motorists, homeowners and utility crews.

It came down to one critical factor: the outlets of the oil majors are franchised, while those of the regional chains are company-run and benefited from the full resources of their corporate parents.

In Sandy's wake, it quickly became clear that the vast power outages across the Northeast had exposed a largely unseen vulnerability in the fuel supply chain that left as much as three-quarters of the New York City area's 4,000-plus stations unable to dispense fuel from electric pumps. The new Reuters analysis, based on data from leading retail intelligence firm OPIS, shows how hidden factors deepened the crisis.

Gas stations carrying the brands of the three big oil companies make up a third of the market in the New York City area, the data shows. Over the past decade they have been franchised out to individual operators who enjoy little support from the multibillion-dollar majors whose name they bear.

When Sandy hit, they were largely left stranded, with no easy means to hire the big generators needed to power fuel pumps. But at the regional chains, crisis teams swung into action, hiring dozens of units to get fuel flowing again.

"What we've witnessed during Sandy is that gas stations and terminals lose power it has the potential to bring us to a screeching halt," said New York State Senator David Carlucci.

He has proposed legislation requiring every key service station to permanently keep a generator on site.

A similar bill was passed in Florida after the state was struck by three hurricanes in 2005. That law requires every fuel outlet on a major trunk route to be able to hook up to reserve power within hours of a blackout, with big chains mandated to keep generators for their stores close by.

Yet even as motorists continue to steam in New York and New Jersey, gas station operators are balking at the cost of installing on-site generators that would allow them to keep operating even if power fails.

"Mandating the costly installation of equipment that will only be used maybe as little as once every several years is bad policy and bad for the economy," said John Eichberger of the National Association of Convenience Stores.

Carlucci's proposal, which includes tax incentives, would cost a total of about $200 million to provide each of New York State's 6,500 gas stations with a $30,000 generator, according to Reuters calculations. That equates to around $10 per head of New York State's population.

A similar bill was passed in Florida after the state was struck by three hurricanes in 2005. That law requires every fuel outlet on a major trunk route to be able to hook up to reserve power within hours of a blackout, with big chains mandated to keep generators for their stores close by. Florida, where key gas stations are required to have access to back-up power within hours of a storm.

Pat Moricca, president of the Gasoline Retailers Association of Florida, who ran a Paterson, New Jersey, service station in the 1970s, called Sandy a wake-up call that should be heeded.

"Whether you're wet or dry, hot or cold, this storm has shown that anywhere can run into this situation eventually."

BP Settles In Gulf Oil Spill Case with $4.5 Billion Fine

Fine is largest handed down by Department of Justice?

BP is set to pay a record U.S. fine to settle criminal claims following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. BP agreed to plead guilty to 11 felony counts involving worker deaths in the 2010 Gulf oil rig blowout and will pay $4.5 billion in penalties in a wide-ranging settlement with the federal government, USA Today reported.

BP said in a statement today, Nov. 15, which it agreed to plead guilty to the felony counts of misconduct as well as a felony count of obstruction of Congress. Attorney General Eric Holder is scheduled to join federal and local officials in New Orleans later today for an announcement on the deal, which remains subject to court approvals.

The explosion and fire aboard the Deepwater Horizon rig on April 20, 2010, killed 11 workers and resulted in a spill that continued for 87 days, causing extensive environmental damage to the Gulf.

Before the $4.5 billion fine for BP was announced, the biggest corporate criminal penalty handed down by the Department of Justice had been a $1.2 billion fine on drug maker Pfizer in 2009.

Takeover Talk Haunts BP

$4.5 billion settlement could be last straw as civil lawsuit looms

LONDON -- BP Plc is once again the subject of takeover talk following a $4.5 billion criminal settlement related to the oil company's oil spoil in the Gulf Coast, according to a Bloomberg report.

Bob Dudley shrank BP Plc in recent months to save it, according to the report. The onetime Mississippian and current chief executive officer has sold more than $50 billion of assets to pay the costs of the worst U.S. oil spill in history in 2010. Rescued from the brink of collapse, Europe’s second-largest oil company is now seen as vulnerable to a takeover.

BP is the cheapest of the world’s five biggest non-state oil companies by market value relative to reserves, earnings and output, the report states. As a result, it may become a target, according to people familiar with the strategic thinking of the London-based company and its potential acquirers.

“You can absolutely make the case that it’s a potential takeover target,” said Julian Birkinshaw, a professor of strategy and entrepreneurship at the London Business School. “BP has been fighting wars on both the eastern and western fronts” that held back buyers, he said. BP shares fell to the lowest since July after the criminal settlement was announced.

BP is now the fourth-biggest non-state oil company by market value, having fallen behind Royal Dutch Shell Plc and Chevron Corp. since the spill. Exxon remains the world’s most valuable oil company; at $394 billion, it’s almost three times the size of BP.

Exxon is looking for ways to expand, and a merger between BP and Shell to create a European energy champion is also possible, sources told Bloomberg, asking not to be identified discussing a private matter.

Officials for Exxon and Shell declined to comment.

BP: Not a Takeover Target

Analysis says company is “one big toxic mess”

HOUSTON -- “It's one of the largest companies in the world. Could it really be a takeover target?”

That’s the question posed by Fortune magazine recently following suggestions that the recent fallout from BP’s 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill could mean the company is ripe for acquisition or takeover.

Here’s a portion on Fortune’s analysis:

Some in the industry see BP as fresh deal meat following the company's long-awaited settlement with U.S. authorities in connection with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. But while such a mega-merger may make Wall Street bankers salivate, even after selling off billions of dollars in assets, BP simply remains too big and too risky to buy. Specialization is the name of the game these days in the oil patch. BP would need to break up into more manageable pieces before any oil major would consider opening its wallet. …

Down in Houston, energy bankers and oil executives uniformly shuddered at the notion that BP is now, or could be soon, the subject of a takeover. Insiders at ExxonMobil, one of the companies that cited as a possible merger partner, told Fortune that there has been zero talk of doing any kind of deal with BP recently.

To be sure, BP does have a lot of valuable assets that the majors would love to get their hands on. ExxonMobil still covets BP's Gulf of Mexico assets, for example, even after the Deepwater Horizon disaster turned the Gulf into one big oil slick for a few months. The issue comes when you start talking about absorbing all of BP, which still has operations up and down the oil value chain from the bottom tip of Africa to the top of the Artic. Combining all of those operations just seems like a headache that isn't worth the trouble, especially when companies can still replace their reserves profitably.

Oil companies, especially ExxonMobil, are extremely conservative and aren't prone to jump into a deal unless they know they can make serious money.  And while BP has successfully negotiated settlements with the government and private individuals in connection with the Gulf oil spill, it isn't out of the woods just yet. BP still needs to settle "grossly negligent" charges brought under the Clean Water Act and the Oil Pollution Act. That could cost the company as little as $5 to $30 billion or more. A trial is set for February, so the hope is that BP settles before then so it can truly move on.

So even if it makes economic sense to merge, don't expect a big oil deal to spoil your holidays. With a $130-billion market cap, and billions of dollars in unknown liabilities, BP remains one big toxic mess, which no oil company would want to acquire.

Mideast Conflict Spurs Worry Over Oil Supply Disruptions

Israel and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip may not be oil producers, but the conflict between the two groups has elevated the geopolitical risk premium for the oil-rich Middle East region over concerns of supply disruptions should hostilities spill out to other countries.

Israel launched air strikes against Hamas targets in Gaza in mid-November following weeks of rocket and mortar attacks fired by Hamas militants into southern Israel. Israel has amassed troops at the border, readying for a ground invasion, while Egypt, Turkey and Qatar are backing Hamas. In the north, Syria remains in a bloody civil war.

Oil prices are rallying on worry over supply security in moving oil through the Suez Canal and the Suez-Mediterranean Pipeline, both controlled by Egypt. More than 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) of oil move through the canal, while the Sumed pipeline has a 2.34 million bpd capacity. Should Iran become involved, an adversary of Israel, there’s concern crude deliveries through the Strait of Hormuz, which borders Iran, could be disrupted. Roughly 20% of the crude oil consumed globally each year passes through the waterway.

For the New York Harbor, the delivery location for the New York Mercantile Exchange gasoline (RBOB) and heating oil futures contracts, the recovery from superstorm Sandy that devastated large swaths of the region including disrupting supply channels for fuels, continues to recover.

Phillips 66 said on Saturday (11/17) it expects its 238,000 bpd Bayway Refinery in Linden, NJ, which experienced flooding, a power outage and an oil spill after shutting ahead of Sandy’s landfall on Oct. 29, to return to normal operations by the end of November. Hess resumed operations at its 70,000 bpd Port Reading refinery in N.J., which also shut ahead of Sandy. Of the 57 wholesale distribution fuel terminals in the path of Sandy, 52 are operating.

On Nov. 16, the American Petroleum Institute reported the lowest U.S. oil demand for an October since 1995 at 18.4 million bpd. Gasoline demand averaged 8.6 million bpd in October API shows, which was the lowest consumption rate for an October since 2000.

“For many months, we’ve seen variations on the same theme: weak demand versus a year ago and some of the weaker demand numbers over the past decade,” said API Chief Economist John Felmy. “The simple fact is that unemployment remains high and economic growth has been extremely modest. Petroleum demand is reflecting that.”

Shell Makes Big Bet on Natural Gas

THE HAGUE, Netherlands -- Royal Dutch Shell plc is going "all in" regarding natural gas. The oil company plans to invest more than $20 billion by 2015 to develop liquefied natural gas (LNG) and gas-to-liquids production, CEO Peter Voser said today.

"Strong growth in gas markets … is a major opportunity for Shell and our shareholders," Voser said during an investor meeting, as reported by MarketWatch.

Shell's CEO added integrated gas earnings reached $9 billion in the past year, driven by LNG and gas-to-liquids, the news outlet reported.

Shell will use a significant portion of the funds to build 7 million tons per annum (mtpa) of new LNG capacity in Australia, as well as more than 20 mtpa of further LNG options in Australia, Indonesia and North America.

Why US Oil Dominance Won't Lower Gas Prices

Booming oil production could allow the U.S. to become the world's largest global oil producer by 2020 and help the country become practically energy self-sufficient by 2035, according to a new report. But that alone won't achieve the dream of so-called energy independence that magically frees American drivers from price shocks at the gasoline pump.

The U.S. won't gain freedom from the tyranny of oil price shocks even if it overtakes Saudi Arabia as oil production king in the projections of the International Energy Agency's World Energy Outlook 2012 report. That's because the global oil market's supply and demand would still dictate the price of a barrel of oil in the U.S., even if the U.S. became a leading oil exporter and stopped importing foreign oil.

"Even if the U.S. becomes one of the leading oil producers, that may not necessarily impact a very broad and deep global oil market," said Doug Arent, executive director of the Joint Institute for Strategic Energy Analysis at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colo. Rather than "energy independence," experts say that "energy self-sufficiency" is a more accurate description of what the U.S. achieve can by exporting more oil than it imports. The IEA report similarly points out that no country is an energy "island" in the global economy.

Paying the same price

The surging U.S. oil production drawn from unconventional oil sources in shale rock depends on factors such as global oil demand keeping prices high enough to make it worthwhile for energy companies. U.S. companies have recently focused on developing "liquids-rich" shale formations containing oil as a more profitable alternative to "dry-gas" natural gas while abundant supplies keep U.S. natural gas prices low.

Yet domestically produced U.S. oil is bought and sold at the price that is set by global supply and demand ranging from North America to Asia. That means the boost in U.S. oil and gas production offers new possibilities for how the U.S. can manage its "energy interdependence" with other countries, "Whether produced in the U.S., Saudi Arabia or Nigeria, consumers will pretty much be paying the same price for the barrel of oil," said Will Rogers, the Bacevich Fellow at the Center for a New American Security in Washington, D.C. "We'll never be insulated entirely from price shocks that could develop from a crisis in the Middle East, Africa, wherever."

The oil price shocks at the pump will continue as long as U.S. cars and road vehicles rely upon gasoline rather than alternative energy sources. But the U.S. can still benefit from achieving oil self-sufficiency in other ways.

"There is a huge opportunity for the U.S. and China," Rogers said. China faces a lot of the same energy challenges we do because they import oil from the Middle East and North Africa. That's vulnerable to disruption due to natural disasters or terrorist events.

Foiled Again!

Using tinfoil, thieves interfere with credit-card readers and siphon off large amounts of fuel or store purchases.

LANSING, Mich. You might not think stolen or expired credit cards and tinfoil could amount to much of a scam, but you’d be wrong. Tinfoil thievery where the criminals use the foil to block satellite dish reception is back in Michigan and Illinois.

The Michigan Petroleum Association is warning retailers of the scam, which involves one person uses a bad credit card to start fueling and distracts employees, while another climbs onto the station’s rooftop to wrap the satellite dish in tinfoil. By blocking the credit-card readers, the transactions are stalled and the thieves can get away with large purchases both at the pump and inside the store,

The association says that retailers with easily accessible rooftops should be especially vigilant about checking their satellite dishes and systems.

Attention K-Mart Shoppers: BP Offering Pump Rewards

But there's a catch: Deal favors larger vehicles ‘WHO IS NEXT’!

CHICAGO -- BP has signed another rewards deal, this time with mass-merchandiser K-Mart, CSP Daily News has learned. The promotion offers K-Mart shoppers a 10-cents-per-gallon discount at BP if they spend more than $50 on grocery and pharmacy items at K-Mart stores in 22 states.

The rewards offer starts Nov. 11, but there's a catch: While customers can purchase up to 20 gallons per transaction at the discounted price, they "forfeit their reduced price on the remaining gallons" if they don't buy the full 20 gallons at the time of purchase, BP told marketers.

The average capacity of a family mid-sized passenger car is 17 gallons, while a compact will take 10 to 13 gallons, according to Ford and Chrysler, so the customer loses some of his discounted gallons unless he drives a larger vehicle.

"It's the same with most of the oil company rewards programs, you lose what you don't use on the first purchase," said one BP marketer. "I think this K-Mart thing is a pretty good deal for us. It's a national retail chain and a well-recognized name and I'm glad to see that BP has finally got its rewards program going, because they had been struggling for a while to find partners."K-Mart will print cents-per-gallon rewards codes on receipts at the register. Customers will see the pump price roll back once they swipe their BP rewards card at the pump or enter their cents-per-gallon discount code, BP told marketers.

The discount promotion is not free for marketers. While BP will reimburse retailers for each K-Mart discounted sale, it will charge them a 10cts fee per transaction, the company said.

BP's new promotion comes three days after ExxonMobil announced a similar cents-off agreement with Safeway stores. Sunoco dealers, however, are not totally thrilled on hearing about BP's agreement with K-Mart. Earlier this year, Sunoco had alerted retailers to the fact that it was about to sign a rewards agreement with K-Mart and told them to be ready to spring into action, but nothing more was heard of the big K-Mart plan, some dealers say. "It just seemed to vanish into thin air after that," said one retailer. "I guess BP must have snagged it from under Sunoco's nose."

ETP Will Not Sell Off Sunoco's Retail Division

DALLAS – Energy Transfer Partners LP (ETP) will not sell off the approximately 4,900 convenience stores and gas stations obtained in its Sunoco Inc. acquisition on Oct. 5, ETP CEO Kelcy Warren stressed during the company's earnings call today. Following ETP's $2.6 billion acquisition of Sunoco, several Wall Street analysts recommended that the master limited partnership (MLP) oil pipeline company divest the newly acquired retail division because it does not fit into its core holdings, the company does not have the proper expertise to run such a business and it will be unfavorable to keep the retail division for tax reasons. Warren, however, said today that no such sale will occur for the foreseeable future. "We are a long-term holder of the retail gasoline assets," he said on the earnings call. "One of the key things we acquired with Sunoco is expertise. Admittedly, we are not knowledgeable as far as retail goes. But we acquired it [in the transaction]."

Since ETP is keeping Sunoco's retail division, one analyst asked Warren during the conference call if he would follow Susser Holdings Corp.'s approach, which would mean spinning off Sunoco's wholesale fuels segment into another MLP. Warren responded that he would not comment about that at this time, but would discuss the possibility with members of upper management.

As for the Sunoco acquisition itself, ETP management conveyed that the transition has gone smoothly thus far and the company will begin to realize cost savings from the deal beginning in 2013. Warren added that Sunoco will be fully incorporated under ETP sometime in 2014.

Regarding its fiscal third-quarter performance, ETP companywide earned distributable cash flow of $189.2 million for the quarter, which ended Sept. 30. That is an increase of $62.9 million compared to the same quarter in 2011. As a MLP, distributable cash flow is often used to measure success instead of net profits.

Sunoco's profits were not calculated as part of ETP's Q3 earnings since the acquisition was completed after the quarter ended. ETP did not report on Sunoco's separate third-quarter earnings. Looking ahead, Sunoco CEO Brian MacDonald noted during the conference call that although Superstorm Sandy had some affect on its business, he expects there will be "no material financial impact" in the fiscal fourth quarter due to the storm.

Web Gas

Post-Sandy, gasoline is being peddled on Craigslist

HARTFORD, CT – With gasoline in tight supply at crowded gas stations in New York and New Jersey, sellers have begun peddling fuel on Craigslist, the Hartford Business Journal (HBJ) reports.

"Why wait five hours for gas;" asked one seller in Brooklyn, who claimed to have "a couple of extra gallons" available for $15 each. Prices advertised on Craigslist earlier this week reached as high as $30 a gallon, far higher than the $3.96 (New York) and $3.62 (New Jersey) statewide averages, according to AAA.

The vendors could be prosecuted under price-gouging laws, the HBJ noted, and run into trouble for failing to pay gasoline sales taxes. However, despite the legal issues, some drivers will be eager to purchase fuel, even at such inflated prices.

"Everybody is so appreciative that they can even get gas," said Ryan, a New Yorker who was offering gas for $18 a gallon on Craigslist Monday. He had been delivering gas from his truck after transporting it into the city from upstate New York, and had been earning between $250 and $300 a day. "I'm just charging for delivery," he said. "I think if you can wait in a gas line, you should do it, but some people don't want to wait. Some people don't have time to wait."

Thieves Use POS to Steal Debit Card PIN Numbers

Criminals are modifying point-of-sale machines in grocery stores, gasoline stations, department stores and medical offices to skim personal data.

SEATTLE – An increasing number of debit card numbers and personal identification numbers (PINs) are being stolen through skimming, USA Today reports. Thieves are targeting gasoline station pumps as well as department stores, grocery stores, medical offices and other retail point-of-sale devices to capture customer debit card information.

“Technology is making it easier for criminals to develop smaller, more effective skimming devices,” said Dale Dabbs, CEO of EZShield.

The number of retailers being compromised is growing. Barnes & Noble shared that criminals corrupted terminals at 63 bookstores in nine states. In September, Toronto law enforcement charged five men who had 168 contraband debit cards and a bunch of POS devices. Verizon found that data thieves are going after POS devices at medical clinics and facilities.

Debit cards are popular among thieves because of their quick conversion to cash. PINs open the door to ATM access and easy money. Counterfeit debit cards began proliferating about 10 years ago. Five years ago, 94 million TJX retail customer transactions were compromised by hackers. In 2009, Heartland Payment Systems, which processed transactions for 175,000 merchants, announced its system had been hacked by thieves.

Those two incidents triggered tighter networks and more encryption by big retailers. But criminals have begun targeting the first point of contact the swipe and PIN-entry. “The hackers are many steps ahead of the card issuers and financial institutions, who are unable to pivot quickly,” said Cynthia Larose with Mintz Levin.

“This is just another stark reminder of how antiquated our magstripe-based payment system has become”, commented Gray Taylor, Executive Director of PCATS.  “Dynamic account data is the only demonstrable way of thwarting these scams.  The real crime is that the technology to support dynamic data on today’s system exists, but the card brands seem bent on an EMV strategy that is years away, with the retailer caught in the middle.”

Skimming Spikes Publix Supermarkets in Central Florida

An “unusually high number” of skimmers were discovered in central Florida at grocery store ATMs.

ORLANDO – Police have discovered a high number of skimmers on ATMs outside Publix supermarkets in New Smyrna Beach, Ormond Beach, Port Orange and Bartow, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

"Unknown suspects have recently been very busy in central Florida fishing for financial information at grocery store ATMs," the Volusia County Sheriff's Office said in a report. "No fraudulent activity on anyone's bank accounts has been traced to skimming activity, but the risk is certainly present."

The readers have been installed with double-sided tape, and police have been trying to determine whether the devices are capable of transmitting data via wireless signals.

"If one looks closely enough or pulls on the front, [the reader] is attached by double-side tape so it would come off in your hands," said Lake Mary Police Detective James Riddle, who said customers should look for skimmers before using ATMs.

Barry’s goal!

To provide high quality legal services in a timely fashion. We consider the representation of our clients a privilege and we promise you we will work hard to get the best possible result for you. We welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can help you with no cost or obligation.* Please contact us @ 561-242-9400 or toll-free at 866-452-9400 or e-mail at balmuthlaw@alum.emory.edu

My staff and I welcome you to our Web site .

On this site, there is more information on my education, experience, qualifications, and area of practice as well as links to other informative sites. We hope you will find our site informative and useful.

Attorney

Barry S. Balmuth, P.A.                                    

Centurion Tower-Eleventh Floor *Petroleum Marketing Practices Act Federal (PMPA)

1601 Forum Place, Suite 1101

West Palm Beach, Florida 33401 *Motor Fuels Marketing Practices Act Florida (MFMPA)

Toll free at 866-452-9400

e mail-balmuthlaw@alum.emory.edu

AV RATED FLORIDA BAR BOARD CERTIFIED CIVIL TRIAL AND BUSINESS LITIGATION LAWYER PRACTICING SINCE 1990

Many years of experience in the gasoline industry representing dealers in PMPA matters and franchise disputes!

Barry Balmuth, litigates in eminent domain and can represent you at no cost and help you in obtaining compensation for business damages and for property loss when the government or Barry Balmuth a utility takes a portion of the property on which your station operates for a road project.  Government agencies and utilities must pay full compensation and, in many situations, business damages as well as attorney’s fees and costs when they use the power of eminent domain to acquire property. 

For complete information go to or call toll free at 866-452-9400.

AFLAC

The Gasoline Retailers Association of Florida Inc. proudly endorses AFLAC for all our supplemental insurance into our “Benefit Program”.

Contact; AFLAC Randy Weber 407.908.4262. e-mail dh2_enterprises_inc@us.

General Liability, Property & Underground Gasoline Tanks Insurance

Insurance Recommendations, the last minute policy renewal quotes:

By waiting till the very last minute it will prevent the insured (you) from being able to shop for a lower cost policy. Below are a couple tips to help you get the best deal on insurance.

Liability: At least six weeks before your policy expires, seek out competitive quotes from at least one additional agent/company. You will need to know your current policy coverage and terms to get competitive information. Gasoline Retailers Association of Florida’s / Atkinson & Associates Insurance, Inc. money saving programs and a complete insurance package including Underground Gasoline Tanks to meet your business responsibility.

Contact Curtis Colbert Atkinson & Associates Insurance, Inc.

1537 Brantley Rd Bldg C.

Fort Myers, FL 33907

239-980-1291 cell

e-mail curtis@ website

Health Insurance

For many years we have been searching for a Health Insurance provider to meet the needs for you your family and your employees.

I am pleased to announce the endorsement of as the preferred Health Insurance program provider for the Gasoline Retailers Association of Florida. Low premiums for individual.

For information Contact Curtis Colbert Atkinson & Associates Insurance, Inc.

1537 Brantley Rd Bldg C.

Fort Myers, FL 33907

239-980-1291 cell

e-mail curtis@ website

We would like to make you aware that Insurance Office of America (IOA) owns a subsidiary called Payroll Office of America (POA). POA offers state-of-the art payroll, tax and HRIS system solutions. They are a full service company providing all the same services as other national providers. Contact Cindy Antor @ (800) 243-6899 ext 15046

Meadowbrook Insurance Group Workers’ Compensation dividend program

The Gasoline Retailers Association of Florida proudly sponsors Meadowbrook Insurance Group as its source for workers’ compensation insurance. Meadowbrook Insurance Group Workers’ Compensation is available to the Gasoline Retailers Association of Florida membership.

For more Information contact: Contact: Meadowbrook @ (800) 726-9006 or Pat Moricca 407-774-9700.

Gasoline Retailers Association of Florida-Meadowbrook Group Workers’ compensation dividend program has produced a dividend on paid premiums for nine out of the last ten years.

CLEANFUELS NATIONAL

Underground Storage Tanks Service and Sales

Equipment Problems with Gasoline

** Fuel Quality Inspections

** Fuel Quality Testing Services Provided

** UST & AST Sampling & Inspection by Experienced Technicians

** Fuel Purification & Water Removal from all types of Petroleum based fuels

** Phase Separation Solutions

** Tank Cleaning

** Basic Tank & Site Maintenance

Contact John Evon @ 813-333-3597 or

e-mail john@

web-site

Department of the Treasury

Financial Crimes Enforcement Network

[pic][pic]

FenCEN’s Web site is located at:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (703) 905-3770

FinCEN Announces Launch of FinCEN Updates E-mail Subscription News Service

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) today announced the launch of FinCEN Updates – a new, free

e-mail subscription management service designed to keep the financial industry, the media and the public informed of news, rulemakings, advisories and other developments at FinCEN. This new secure e-mail subscription management service permits users to customize their updates, which enables them to receive e-mails related to the topics to which they have subscribed.

FinCEN Updates allows users to choose their subscription preferences. Subscription items include advisories, guidance, news releases, rulings, enforcement actions, and current career opportunities at FinCEN. Users can add or delete subscription items themselves, and have the option to password protects their accounts for increased security. Users can opt to have FinCEN Updates sent immediately, daily, weekly, or monthly to their e-mail accounts or directly to a wireless device.

FinCEN selected the GovDelivery® E-Mail Subscription Management service to monitor designated website content and to send an e-mail to alert subscribers when there is new information posted on FinCEN’s public websites. Subscribers will receive e-mails from the

Financial Crimes Enforcement Network at the address fincenupdates@.

To subscribe to FinCEN Updates, visit FinCEN’s website at or subscribe directly at .

S. O. S.

Safehouse of Seminole Domestic violence is a social issue, which crosses all boundaries and threatens the very fabric of our society. At Safehouse of Seminole, we are dedicated to breaking this cycle of violence through our shelter and community outreach programs. Our crisis line and shelter programs provide victims and their children with the resources they need to begin healing from past and preparing for their future. Believing that education and awareness are vital tools for change, we provide educational programs in Seminole County Schools and other community organizations. 24-Hour Crisis Line 407-330-3933.

Safehouse of Seminole needs your donations

Your contribution to Safehouse may be tax deductible on your annual tax return, as Safehouse is an organization of the type described in section 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(A)(vi) under the Internal Revenue Code. Our registration number is SC-05086.

Safehouse of Seminole Wish List:

Personal Needs – Bedding Needs – Baby Food & Needs -- School Needs – Grocery/Kitchen/Cleaning Needs – Holiday Needs – Miscellaneous Items for everyday Needs!

Contact the Safehouse of Seminole @ 407-302-5220 for a copy of their Wish List.

Please make checks payable to and mail to

Safehouse of Seminole PO Box 471279, Lake Monroe, FL, 32747-1279

Name__________________________________Telephone_______________________

Address_______________________________________________________________

City______________________State_________________________Zip______________

INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES

Corporate Defense Strategies Inc. / Information Research Specialist Inc.

Corporate Defense Strategies / Information Research Specialist provides national and worldwide services. We are a full service private investigation firm that is licensed, bonded and insured. Our principle investigator has over twenty-five years experience in loss prevention and corporate security.  Our investigators are also experts in corporate theft investigations, background checks, interview & interrogations / skip tracing and major asset investigations / judgment recovery.  In addition, CDS is a member of many national investigative associations.

Toll free (888) 361-3800

Fax - (407) 324-9856

e-mail- CDSInvest@

Web Site- Corporate Defense Strategies Inc.

INDEPENDENT DEALER PURCHASING SERVICE

Cars New

Trucks Wholesale For the lowest possible cost of buying and selling your next vehicle; utilize our service to save hundreds to thousands on your next vehicle purchase or lease.

No gimmicks or games, IDPS will utilize our network of dealers and work the deal from start to finish. IDPS guarantees a savings to the buyer or there is NO CHARGE. 250 FLAT RATE FEE

If anyone has any R12 Freon in storage,  IDPS Group is paying $15 dollars per pound for R12 Freon virgin or reclaimed any size amounts.

Contact Ken Broudy Office: (407) 324-5422 & (407) 383-9889 Cell E-mail: idpsgrp@

AMSOIL Dealership Opportunities

Synthetic motor oil is the fastest growing area of the "do it for me" market, and AMSOIL has a great product line for your customers.

Whether you are buying AMSOIL for yourself, your garage or to become an independent dealer, I am here to help you!

Jerrold Schiff



407-619-8441

Schiffkey Consultants Inc.

Jerrold Schiff

Land: (407) 772-2081 Mobile: (407) 619-8441

mailto:jerrold@



Computer Virus Removal - Web site hosting - Web site SEM SEO



Don't get mad - get HELP !

Computer Virus Removal

Computer Repair Orlando

HOUSE CALLS - 7 days a week

Panic Popups Porn Spam

Computer runs slowly or freezes?

Satisfaction guarantee or your viruses cheerfully refunded

Web Site Hosting

Web Site Search Engine Optimization

see existing customers - quick - fast - seo - sem - great results !

- fast - seo - sem - great results !

SUPPORT ASSOCIATE MEMBERS WHO SUPPORT OUR ASSOCIATION

*Newsletter (407) 774-9700

*Help Line Pat Moricca (407) 774-9700

*Attorney Barry S. Balmuth Toll free (866) 452-9400

*Meadowbrook Insurance Group Workers' Comp. Dividend Program Contact: Meadowbrook

*Meadowbrook Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPL) @ (800) 726-9006

*Health Insurance contact Curtis Colbert (239)-980-1291 cell

*Property & Casualty Liability Curtis Colbert (239)-980-1291 cell

*Underground Storage Tank Insurance Curtis Colbert (239)-980-1291 cell

*Chokshi Accounting & Tax Services, Inc. Dinesh Chokshi (407) 332-8311 Fax (407) 332-7111

*ATM EXPRESS contact: Linda Stewart or Keith Howard Toll Free (888) 600-4368

*RPM Inc. Receipts-Printing-Marketing Bill Page (727) 443-1442 (800) 398-0987

*Pump Computer Board Corrosion Protection & Solutions LLC

Contact Ronald Knight or Robert Kay (813) 831-1238

*AFLAC Contact Randy Webber (407) 908-4262

*Payroll Cindy Antor (800) 243-6899 ext 15046

GASOLINE SUPPLIER

Lewis & Raulerson, Inc.

P. O. Box 59

Waycross, Georgia 32502

Florida: Ryan Firth

561-756-5203

Gasoline Retailers Association of Florida

Welcomes All New Members

Membership Does Not Cost, It Pays

Consumer Advocates, LLC

Amy Cottrill, Owner

Titilayo “T” Cogdell, Manager

321-352-0607

941-773-8758

E mail acottrill4@

A Medwaiver provider for companion, respite, PCA and in home support services. "Our passion is to help individuals with disabilities and the elderly".

Serving Seminole, Orange, Osceola and Brevard.

For information contact: Amy Cottrill or Titilayo “T” Cogdell @ 321-352-0607 or 941-773-8758

Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida

The Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida is the leading voice for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. We offer hope, encouragement and acceptance through advocacy, education and awareness so that each may realize their potential as members of our community.

For information, 407-540-1121 web site

Altamonte Springs Special Needs Cheerleading - Sparklers

Through successful sports training and competition, City of Altamonte Springs Special Needs Cheerleading - Sparklers develop physically, socially, and physiologically. The positive experiences the athletes have and ongoing, City of Altamonte Springs Special Needs Cheerleading - Sparklers programs builds confidence and self image, which carries over into all aspects of their lives.

Altamonte Springs Sparklers information

contact Ranwa Nin El-khoury C(407)929-7254 W(407)571-8814 F(407)571-8809

St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church

Altamonte Springs Florida

A Unique Stars Theatre Program

‘Angels Among Us’

Presents

The Best Of

‘Angels Among Us’

With 27 Unique Special Angels of all Ages

Cast Father Tom

Lisa Cioffi - Frank Corso

Gerry Kelly - Debbie Karleskint

Produced and Directed by

Elsie Doughty

A must-see!

For information, please contact

Elsie Doughty @ (407) 252-0957 or

Pat Moricca @ 407-774-9700

‘Angels Among Us’ shows have received GREAT REVIEWS. Comments from people; I never saw any performance like it; I was moved by the special angels; Everyone should see the show; It brought tears of joy to my eyes; It is a heart-warming experience that makes you feel better as a human being; A classic and much more.

"If I had one wish for my children, it would be that each of them would reach for goals that have meaning for them as individuals." Lillian Carter

"While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about."

-----------------------

$10____ $15____

$20____ $50____

$100____other____

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download